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Kiera is joined by Dr. Robert DiPilla to talk about his world of dentistry, including the transition from cosmetic to holistic services, how he educated his patients, lessons learned during his multi-practice ownership, and more.   About Dr. DiPilla: Dr. Robert DiPilla studied dentistry at the University of Detroit-Mercy, and then went on to attain a Fellowship for Dental Implants at the Harvard Club. He was quickly recruited to Manhattan, where he honed his dentistry techniques, and had the opportunity to work on many high-profile clients. Dr. DiPilla became a partner at the renowned Rosenthal Dental Group on Madison Avenue, and earned the title “the dentist's dentist” by his peers in the industry. Dr. DiPilla has had the privilege of perfecting the smiles of celebrity clientele such as Kathie Lee Gifford, Wayne Gretzky, Steve Duchesne, and Sarah Ferguson among others. While Dr. DiPilla maintains a Manhattan office, he now focuses on the location where his career began in the Detroit Metropolitan area. He contributes regularly to nationally circulated trade publications, and continues to be recognized as a leader and expert resource in aesthetic dentistry. Episode resources: Sign up for Dental A-Team's Virtual Summit 2025! Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript Kiera Dent (00:00.768) Hello, Dental A Team listeners. This is Kiera And today I am so jazzed to have an incredible guest. We have been following this man. We've been wanting him on our podcast. He is incredible. And I feel like what he's doing is changing the way dentists are doing dentistry. I think he's kind of in this new age, new era, adapting with the times. And so was so excited to bring him on and have his knowledge. So welcome to the show, Dr. Robert DiPilla. How are you today?   Dr Robert DiPilla (00:25.484) I'm doing well. Thank you very much. I'm excited to be on your show. There are so many great things about you and your show. I I once again, I went back to some of your podcasts and you some great, great guests on.   Kiera Dent (00:37.376) Well, thank you. am quite shocked. Dental A Team is about to release their thousandth episode. And I was thinking, I cannot believe I've been on this microphone a thousand times. So I'm super honored that you are a part of that journey. And really everyone who listens to the podcast knows our ultimate goal at Dental A Team is to positively impact the world of dentistry in the greatest way possible. so bringing guests on like yourself, people who are passionate about dentistry, making sure that we keep the passion alive in dentistry, making sure that people realize   I believe we're in the best industry we possibly could ever be in. And so I'm super excited because I feel like you're taking a new edge spin to some things in dentistry. So before we get into some of these fun topics, Dr. DiPilla, why don't you take us through kind of your journey? I know you have a pretty interesting route of how you were able to go from where you were and where you started in dentistry to where you are today. So if you kind of want to take us on your journey, that way the audience gets to know you as well.   Dr Robert DiPilla (01:31.854) That journey starts 36 years ago. I graduated at the University of Detroit, Mercy in 1989, and I did a residency at Harvard at the Harvard Club for doing implants. And from that, I really was interested in the cosmetic realm. So you got to think about in the early 90s. And it was kind of like touched upon. And I was very fortunate.   to take a course with Bill Dickerson and Larry Rosenthal. And this is the first time they were together in doing these particular courses. And my first patient for my aesthetic course was my sister, believe it or not. when I mentioned this, it was an amazing journey. She was very appreciative. It was a great case. And from that, one interesting point.   Kiera Dent (02:16.68) Wow, that's brave, an aesthetic course.   Dr Robert DiPilla (02:30.828) when I was in the lecture and they were talking about different materials, different processes, the way to do things. I know once again, I just graduated, I did like a little surgical residency and I thought to myself, mean, the auditorium was packed, there's probably like a hundred students. And I'm like looking around and I'm thinking myself, am I the only dumb one here that doesn't know this?   I said, this is insane. And they're going over these seven different steps to do bonding and veneers. I'm like, my gosh, did I learn this in school? you   Kiera Dent (03:05.28) Did I skip that day? I promise I didn't miss too many, right? That's what you're probably thinking, like I was there.   Dr Robert DiPilla (03:10.237) I would promise I was there. But I promised myself since then, it was like a real, not say a low point in my life, but it was a low point in the sense of how come I didn't know this? And I kind of pride myself in understanding things and certain process and procedures. And I said, from that day, this will never happen again. So that journey led into teaching with Bill Dickerson before it was LVI and also   aesthetic advantage with Larry Rosenthal. And as you know, there were two separate groups and I had to make a decision on what camp was I going to go into. Was I going to do the LVI camp in Vegas? And mind you, I'm in Michigan. Or do I go to New York route? And my decision was New York was closer. So I went with Larry Rosenthal. So I was an instructor with him for about three or four years. And then I was invited to be a doctor in his office.   And I was there for a good 10 years. that journey right there was probably the highest point of my life in that particular aesthetic office. There was a lot of great contacts, a lot of great people that we met. And I always say everything is a blessing for me. I don't hold anything back as far as this was a disappointment. This didn't happen for me because I think everything is a growing experience.   So for me, being in Larry's office was really, truly, truly, like I said, a blessing. It was a great thing for my career. And then I knew that when I started having a family and kids, New York for me personally wasn't the place for me. Coming from the Midwest, Midwest values, I wanted to have the family where I grew up because my mom is still here and my extended family is here as well. So once again, from that, I left New York.   Kiera Dent (04:51.21) You   Dr Robert DiPilla (05:01.806) And then, but I kept a practice in New York as well, because I had a lot of patients to see. And I started my own practice in Birmingham, Michigan. And that was in 2000, probably 2003, 2004. And then from that, you know, we grew to five different practices. So it's been a really challenging once again, but it's been a great journey for us.   Kiera Dent (05:15.338) Wow.   Kiera Dent (05:25.706) That's incredible. And so I'm curious because when I first started as a dental assistant, one of the doctors that I worked for had a practice in California and Utah. And so every Thursday or Wednesday, I think it was, we would close out in California and he'd catch a flight and he'd go to his practice in Utah. He'd be there Thursday, Friday, fly home, and we do Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. So did you fly back and forth between your two practices?   Dr Robert DiPilla (05:45.93) I did the same thing. When I moved back to Michigan, I would work in Michigan Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, would fly out to New York and work Thursday and Friday. And then plus New York's a great city and I stayed for the weekend and I flew back the first flight out 6 a.m. on Monday morning to make it to my practice at 9 a.m. So I did that for seven years. So back and forth. then once again,   Kiera Dent (05:56.106) Yeah.   Kiera Dent (06:02.806) sure.   you   Dr Robert DiPilla (06:12.462) It was great. To me, people, how did you do that? Why did you do that? It was just my routine and it worked out really, really well. And then there was some point where I kind of have to slow down and kind of give that up a little bit because I wanted to build more practices in Michigan.   Kiera Dent (06:27.414) Sure. No, that makes sense. And I was just curious because when that Dennis would do it, I thought like it was so wild, but it made sense of how he was able to have the two practices. So it's either you fly back and forth for a while or you get associates. Did you end up keeping that practice in New York or did you have an associate running it or did you end up selling it and then focus in Michigan?   Dr Robert DiPilla (06:45.186) Yeah, no, I actually, believe it or not, a lot of my New York patients actually will fly to Michigan to have their work done. And then the rest is I gave it to a really good friend of mine, Dr. Michael Krause, that's in the city on 49th and Madison. So, you know, basically a lot of my patients just kind of ended up with him.   Kiera Dent (06:52.564) Incredible.   Kiera Dent (07:06.728) Amazing. And that's great to know. And I hope dentists heard that of when you are really great at your craft, they will fly, they will come to see you. And I think that that's something that's different in today's world. I think that it's very common for patients to fly other places rather than just going to their dentist down the street. I think people fly for different surgeries to different places. Now I think for your day in day out routine dental care, you'll probably stay closer to home. But also we only go six, like two times a year. So it's really not that much to travel if you want to.   Dr Robert DiPilla (07:25.919) percent. Yeah.   Yeah.   Dr Robert DiPilla (07:34.798) Yeah, there's a lot, know, as you know, there's a lot of patients that will seek out plastic surgeons and they will go to a certain destination if it's New York, LA or Miami. And that's the same thing with dentistry. I mean, I've been very fortunate. I've had a of patients from Miami that will fly up and for me to do their work, their veneers, New York, of course, all the way even from LA. So it's been it's been a wonderful thing. I'm very humbled, you know, to do that. I don't take that take that lightly.   Kiera Dent (07:40.214) Mm-hmm.   Kiera Dent (08:02.812) No, and I think that there's when you love what you do and you're really great at what you do, people fly. I mean, I am a dental snob. think being in dentistry, it makes me one of the worst patients. And so I'm always nervous. And so I do travel to dentists out of the state. And I think it's something of the world has changed. And so I love your journey. I love the passion you have. I love that you've built multiple practices. I think you bring an interesting perspective. And so I'm super curious because you've kind of gone into a holistic route as well. So   I'm curious, how do you go from dental implants, veneers, which feels very cosmetic, into holistic? Like what's kind of the bridge? How have you done that? Because I think people feel like I'm either traditional dentistry or I'm holistic dentistry. And I feel like you're bridging this gap. And I think the world is bridging this gap as well. I don't think it's as polarized as it used to be, but what's kind of your take on that and how did you transition? What got you excited about that? Give some insights.   Dr Robert DiPilla (08:53.684) I mean, you   You know, for you as you know, being a hygienist, know, to me, for our patients, we want to make sure that they have a healthy foundation. a healthy foundation is the bone and also the gingival tissue. And, you know, it doesn't matter how great of a cosmetic dentist you are, how great of an implantologist you are, the tissue has to be stable. It has to be making sure that, you know, the oral microbiome is sufficient.   Kiera Dent (09:05.299) Mm-hmm.   Dr Robert DiPilla (09:25.774) You got to make sure that the biofilm is eliminated. And one of the biggest things that, I mentor 22 doctors here in Michigan, from guys who've just, guys or gals who've just been out a year and guys like myself that been out for 36 years. One of the things that I try to impress upon them is that don't be a mechanic of the mouth. And my feelings,   is that dental schools right now, and once again, different than my era, is just really, they're really teaching you how to pass the board exams. And then the real age of dentistry is what you get after as far as continued education. And I think it's really important, as you know, even being a hygienist, is that you have a patient that comes back, yet you did scaling and root planning.   Kiera Dent (10:01.694) Right.   Dr Robert DiPilla (10:17.15) and you see him back in three months and they're saying, yeah, I brush every day, I floss every day, I have the water pick that you recommended, I'm doing the oral care, I'm doing this. And they come back and it's like, my God, are you really flossing? Are you really brushing your teeth? No, no, I am. But why is that? Why are we doing maybe supervised neglect or super profis? The question comes in is that we have to understand why, my biggest thing is the why, why is that happening?   You know, we incorporated now we're doing genetic testing, we're doing saliva testing for our patients because as we know, a lot of, you know, reintroduction of refractory periodontitis that happens. So even the same thing with my hygienist, you know, we're very strong in continuing education. We're very strong in not just scaling and root planing teeth, just for the matter of fact of doing it. And one of the things that, you know, my hygienist, they all know,   is that if you're doing Scanlan Root Planning, what type of attachment do you want back? So I think you have to have a strong foundation in histology. You have to know the periodontium very, very well. And a lot of times in school, yeah, yeah, that was that class. I had it, but this is what I want to do. So I think for us in dentistry, you have to move away from being that mechanic of the mouth, because I can teach my assistant to prep a tooth, easy. But you have to understand the diagnosis and the   Kiera Dent (11:26.774) you   Kiera Dent (11:38.368) you   Dr Robert DiPilla (11:42.094) And it also goes back to different materials. The whole rage now is zirconia, crowns, and it's a lot stronger. But is it really? Is it lithium disilicate, or is it philospathic porcelain? So I think there has to be an understanding of where to place those materials in the proper patients and proper occlusion. So because a salesperson comes in, oh, this is the latest and greatest, doesn't mean that you should buy it. So I think.   Kiera Dent (12:09.824) for sure.   Dr Robert DiPilla (12:10.894) For me, it's kind of taking a step back and understanding dental materials, understanding the periodontium, understanding all that. I the classes that we hated in school, believe it not, I've been doing this for 36, are probably the most important now than anything else.   Kiera Dent (12:25.67) No, for sure. And I'm so grateful you talked about that because agreed like the healthy foundations, I think it's so easily overlooked. So I'm curious, how did you start to incorporate this with your patients? Because you didn't come out of school having this, you didn't learn all these things right away, you started incorporating it. I think people are oftentimes afraid to add this into their practices due to patient pushback. So how did you, how did you educate your patient base?   Dr Robert DiPilla (12:48.702) Well, yeah, I think it's just having a good communication with your patient and being authentic. with our patients, we're there for them in a sense of we don't push anything, we don't sell anything, we just educate our patients. And a lot of times, if I've seen a patient for 10, 15, 20 years and I'm watching them get worse,   And, you know, I'll just have that, you know, that radical candor with them saying, hey, listen, you know, where do you want to go with this? What do you, how can I help you? You know, do you, mean, for some reason I'm watching you getting worse and I don't want that. So what can I do to help? And then we kind of castor them in that, in that direction as much as possible. You know, there's, we'll do a lot of like nutritional counseling and we see a lot of patients that, as you know, they come in, you know, they're not, they're not healthy. And I have the,   Kiera Dent (13:39.51) All right.   Dr Robert DiPilla (13:42.21) I guess the personality to talk to my patients and say, listen, I want you to see this person. I care about you. I've seen you for many, many times. And I just, you know, I see some things that I don't like. So what I want you to do, here's a referral. I want you to see them. And then nine out of 10 times they'll come back and say, my God, thank you so much. I didn't know I had this underlying condition.   Kiera Dent (14:07.84) That's incredible. And I agree that education, I think is the new age of communication. I think a lot of patients want to understand more. think we live in this digital era where people are consuming so much more information rapidly and they want to be educated and they want to know what's going on. And I do think social media has, has ramped this up exponentially for people to want more education rather than just blindly following. And so I really love that you took it that way. I want to ask you a couple of questions about   growth of practices because I think so many people grow practices or they feel that they need to grow practices or they need to expand their practices. I'm curious after having done that, you've had practices in multiple states, you've grown your, like walk me through, like when do you grow as a dentist? When do you not grow as a dentist? What are some things that you learned through that growth of multi-practice ownership, especially with dentists that are in today's world? I think that there are some that are brand new.   There's the DSO on the radar and on the horizon for people. Walk me through some of your thoughts around this practice growth, multi-location, when do I grow, what do I do with DSOs? I'm super curious because you've done it and you've done it for a long time. What are some of your thoughts around that?   Dr Robert DiPilla (15:08.718) 100%.   Dr Robert DiPilla (15:17.582) I'm going to let's go back when I was like I said, very fortunate to be in Larry Rosenthal's office in New York City. And everyone knows Larry Rosenthal is the premier, know, veneer office to go to. So I was once again, I was very, very fortunate to go there. But well, my dismay, I was the young kid.   Kiera Dent (15:37.364) It's incredible, by the way. like, like, let's just stop for a second. Like, that's incredible that you got to work there with him.   Dr Robert DiPilla (15:44.622) So think of a patient that's there, know, we had celebrity CEOs, we had every mogul you could imagine we had. And you got this young kid walking in and they're like, well, kid, move away, where's Larry? Where's Larry? So what I had to do, I had to kind of reinvent myself. And, you know, and I had to figure out what type of avatar patient, you know, do I want? And I think that it doesn't matter if I'm in New York, if I'm in Birmingham, Michigan.   Kiera Dent (15:44.947) Yeah.   Kiera Dent (15:57.715) Yeah.   Dr Robert DiPilla (16:11.274) I'm if in Salt Lake City, Atlanta, doesn't matter. You just have to figure out what avatar do you want. And then you kind of go where that avatar is. So an example, this is what I did. So in New York City, I need to get a haircut. So for me, I went to the biggest celebrity hairstylist you can get. And it was Orbe in New York City. And why did I do   Kiera Dent (16:37.556) Yeah. Okay. I mean, you do have great hair, by the way. So, I mean, it must have worked out for you. I like it. It looks great.   Dr Robert DiPilla (16:41.582) Well, thank you so No way. It's not what it Well, thank you. So I went to Orbe and why did I go to see him? Because Orbe has what a lot of celebrity clientele. And for me, it was building a relationship with Orbe. You come in, your first appointment, who are you? What do you do? Oh my God, yeah, I have a dentist and that, that, that. As you know, when you say you're a dentist or a hygienist, oh, by the way, can you look at this?   Kiera Dent (17:10.633) haha   Dr Robert DiPilla (17:11.758) So what that does is that it kind of opens up the dialogue as much as possible. So from him, I've been seeing him for two to three years. And once again, it's something that you always have to continue going. If you do it once or twice and it doesn't work, well, that's not going to happen. So they go into the gym, you work out once or twice, you're not going to be in shape. it's of those things that you perpetually just have to do. So I was very fortunate seeing him for years. And from that,   Kiera Dent (17:32.083) Right.   Dr Robert DiPilla (17:39.49) I had my own celebrity clientele that came into Larry's office. It was great. All right, how about another one? So I was fortunate they had the LA Reebok Club where I used to live on the Upper West Side. And then joined a gym, of course. And I wanted to find out who was the best trainer who trained all the celebrities. And then once again, the same thing. So I think it's important.   Kiera Dent (17:44.308) Mm-hmm.   Dr Robert DiPilla (18:06.818) you know, to find out because I'm going tell you a lot of the celebrities and a lot of moguls, they're not calling to make the appointment. They have someone as an assistant to make their appointments for them. So I'll give you an example. I was working out in East Hampton for a little bit because I bought a house in in Amiganza. And as I was doing this renovation, I never really worked on Fridays, but in East Hampton, I worked some Fridays and I was fortunate   that I had a logistics manager for the Rolling Stones that came in. Built a relationship with her. And then from that, because she's a logistics manager, she does everything for the Stones. So I was very fortunate. She called me up, hey, Mick has a concert tonight at Madison Square Garden. He wants his teeth cleaned. He wants them checked out. Can you do it? Sure. What time? Nine o'clock at night. What?   Kiera Dent (18:39.082) Well.   Kiera Dent (19:01.735) I'm   Dr Robert DiPilla (19:03.342) So those are the things that you have to do. If you want that type of avatar, you want that type of clientele, then you kind have to do whatever it takes to go above and beyond to make sure that that happens. So don't think that if you want that type of practice, there's going to be some sacrifices that you're going to have to do. So for me, my personal story, for me being in New York, I was so driven, driven, driven. That's all I did. That's all I did. And I was married at the...   at the time. you know, looking back in retrospect, it affected my marriage. So, you know, my ex-wife, we're great, we're still great friends, but it affected because I just, for me, I was driven. This is what I wanted to do. I was out. I was going to opening of galleries. I was opening up to restaurants and because I wanted to be successful. But with that, there are some consequences that come with it.   So you have to kind of be prepared. You they always say, you know, the balance of life, you know, what to do as far as your career and work. I mean, there is, but you're going to sacrifice, you know, somewhere. You can't have it all, as they say. So you're going to have to kind of give up some.   Kiera Dent (20:12.853) Great.   Do you, looking back, are you grateful that you've made the decisions you've made or do you wish you would have done things differently? Like knowing what you know now. Walk me through because I think people people often wonder this.   Dr Robert DiPilla (20:26.466) Yeah, there's no, for me, there's no regrets because even if there was a regret, I always look at it as something that will make me better down the road. mean, listen, we're all gonna have failures. Things are gonna happen, but you have to learn from that. I mean, for someone to say, this has never happened to me and da, da, da, either they're lying or they have not, they've just graduated yesterday. I didn't tell my associates the same thing and that they had a bad day.   Kiera Dent (20:49.724) Yeah.   Dr Robert DiPilla (20:56.046) patient was complaining or something, I said, listen, it's going to happen. As long as you know in your heart you did the right thing, that's all you can do.   Kiera Dent (21:05.593) I that. And I appreciate that because I think so many times people feel like I should have known this right from the get go. But I think a lot of learning is experiencing too. And so going through it and making different decisions. And like you said, what's the type of life? What's the type of avatar do I want? And then crafting your practice around that. I really love that you highlight. I feel like you crafted your practice and your craft around the avatar, patient and life that you wanted.   I think at the beginning you probably hustled a lot more than you thought you would need to, but I think that that's the beginning of practice ownership. I think that's the beginning of any career. And then you're able to then start to curate it into what you wanted it to be. And I think so many dentists don't realize that that is a possibility for you if you want it to craft it for what you want.   Dr Robert DiPilla (21:50.486) No, listen, mean, there's many different practices, as you know. There's the elite practices that are doing, know, veneers and an example who took over Larry Rosenthal's office is Mike Appa. Mike Appa is a great dentist. When I was leaving Larry's office, he was coming in and he took it to the next level. And I missed, from my era, we didn't really have Facebook or Instagram or anything like that. So I'm kind of like the, know, the lagger in that particular point.   But he took that and made it to a different level as far as his career going to Dubai. And now he has multiple, multiple practices. But once again, there is some sacrifices. I'm sure it has not come easy to him. He has put in a lot of work, a lot of time, a lot of dedication to craft that for him. I look at it as, man, that's amazing. Good for him. Other people can get jealous of that.   but they don't understand the hard work what it takes to get there. It's like the basketball player, like, my God, he's making all this, how did he get that? But he forgot all the thousands and thousands of hours being in the gym and also practicing. Sometimes we forget that.   Kiera Dent (22:58.037) Yeah.   Kiera Dent (23:03.55) Right. Right. I think that it's been so just I love I love your passion. I love the life that you've lived. I love the I love that you were so committed to never being that person and then look at how that that drive and that determination took you from where you were to where you are today. I'm curious speaking to dentists who are maybe I don't know two three four years out.   What advice would you give them from all your years of practicing of the things you've been able to do, the clientele you've had, the team you had? What would be advice you'd give to that population of dentists right now? Knowing everything you know, knowing the climate, knowing the, like I said, DSOs are on the horizon. Do I become a private practice owner? Do I work corporate? Do I own multi-practices? What would you give? Again, we're talking four or five years out. I feel like this is right where they're starting to get that itch. They've got their, they figured a lot of things out.   Well, what advice would you have for that dentist?   Dr Robert DiPilla (23:57.454) So it's funny that you say that because three of my associates, I have been out four to five years. And we get together, which is great, which I love is we get together once a month at my house over here and we kind of go over some kids' education things and just kind of talking to them as far as what their successes are, what their stresses are, and also what they're stuck. We call that three S's. And I always tell them, listen, I don't want you to be me.   Kiera Dent (24:03.528) Mm-hmm.   Dr Robert DiPilla (24:27.5) I want you to be you. If you're interested in Invisalign, then go for it. And I think that a lot of younger dentists feel that, my God, I have to do that endo. I have to do that extraction. I have to do that filling. I have to do this because there's so much money and debt from dental school and you can't do everything because something's gonna, you're gonna get hurt on one perspective.   My advice, I've been doing this, like I said, for 36 years, find out what you really, really love to do and then do that. Is it gonna pan off the next day? No, it's gonna take time. And I think we live in a world that it's instant gratification and everyone wants everything done yesterday. It's just the law of averages. You're just gonna have to do it, do it, do it, do it and keep it until you get there. For me, like I said, I was going for the implant route.   Kiera Dent (25:16.519) Right.   Dr Robert DiPilla (25:26.474) I loved surgery. And then I found that niche that I wanted to do was the aesthetic world. And then, okay, I'm doing some aesthetics. We're at Larry's office. We're doing 10 veneers on the bottom, 10 veneers on the top and the bottom. And I'm thinking to myself, yeah, the bite doesn't look that great. I said, well, there's something more to this. And then I went down to Rabbit Hole. I did Pete Dawson's chorus.   Kiera Dent (25:47.568) I'm   Dr Robert DiPilla (25:55.746) I remember at Panky. So I went another route as far as now doing full mouth rehabilitation. Going back to, you know, Facebook, Centric Relation, doing everything that needs to be done. How am supposed to get back to that? Right? And then, you know, getting there. So, you know, for me, that is my niche now. And from, you know, I'm building a bigger office in Birmingham. I think I'm crazy what I'm doing right now.   Kiera Dent (26:08.108) The baseball, that's a throwback.   Dr Robert DiPilla (26:25.016) but I still have passion for what I do. feel like, you when someone said, you've been out for 36 years, I feel like I've only been out for five years. I still love this profession. I love what it's given me, the opportunity, but sometimes I don't like the direction where it's going in. And that kind of goes back to what you mentioned about the DSOs. Don't get me wrong, I'm not popo-ing DSOs. I mean, I think there's a place for everyone.   Kiera Dent (26:33.611) Yeah.   Kiera Dent (26:47.198) Yeah, I'm curious on your take. You've been in this for a long time.   Dr Robert DiPilla (26:55.24) I mean, know dentists are in Medicaid offices, great. We know that patients are in PPO offices, great. Fee for service, better. And then also group practices that, you know, my associates are in. And then there's DSOs. Once again, I'm fortunate to be part of Dicama's group, and it's one of the premier law firms that have put all the DSOs together.   Kiera Dent (27:06.698) Yeah.   Kiera Dent (27:18.805) Mm-hmm.   Dr Robert DiPilla (27:25.358) And some are great, some are amazing, but some have failed. And I think one of the problems I feel that corporate has is that if you do the CEO, you're looking at what? You're looking at the numbers, you're looking at the metrics, right? You're looking at the KPIs. But if you're in the trenches, you can't treat every office as the same. It's different. The hygienist has a different personality. dentist has a personality. You have different patients, demographic of patients.   Kiera Dent (27:31.04) Right.   Dr Robert DiPilla (27:54.648) So I think for dentists, we're just a different animal as far as the field that we're in. It's very, very personal that we have as far as our offices. And like I said, I have five offices. All five are completely different. If I try to implement every single detail thing in Birmingham to do it in Detroit, no. Same thing in Detroit to do at Sinclair Shores, no. It has to be customized to that particular practice.   Kiera Dent (28:22.782) Yeah, no, and I think that's such wise wisdom because working with hundreds of offices, I don't have an A to Z cookbook. I don't tell them like implement this. I know systems that will work, but we customize it to your area because the patient base, like you said in New York compared to Birmingham, Michigan, they're going to be very different patients. They're going to have different needs, different like all of it is different. The pace of it is going to be different. Your attrition rates will probably look differently. And so I agree with you completely that   Dr Robert DiPilla (28:36.046) That's great.   Kiera Dent (28:52.52) Everything is not apples to apples. I'm curious, how do you lead all five of those practices? Do you have, like, what does your team structure look like? Because so many people do get stressed out with multi-practice ownership. What have you done to reduce that stress level for yourself and make sure that they're all successful?   Dr Robert DiPilla (29:06.262) Yeah. No, it's, we just had our all company meeting. I call it the summit meeting. And, you know, it's amazing that, you know, 10 years ago, I had one office and maybe four employees. Now I   Kiera Dent (29:13.672) Thank you.   Kiera Dent (29:20.928) Did you hear that everyone? 10 years ago. So this is something that in his 36 years of dentistry, he did 26 years. I also think people need to realize they sometimes feel like they're too old to open up multiple practices. They feel they're too far in their career. They needed to do this earlier. So I hope people are hearing your timeline of 26 years solo practice and now 10 years making five practices, but also there is a timeline around that. So continue please. But I just want to highlight, this was not an overnight thing for you either.   Dr Robert DiPilla (29:23.5) Years ago, Yeah. Single practice.   Dr Robert DiPilla (29:51.054) It's not. I'll go back and I'll tell you the reason why for that. And for me, like I said, going to New York, I wanted to be the best. I wanted to be that celebrity dentist. And when I came back to Michigan, I centered everything around me. People came, they flew in from out of state to see me. And one of the things, I can't scale me. And one of the things that I have to open up   Kiera Dent (30:12.63) Yeah.   Dr Robert DiPilla (30:20.174) the offices and kind of passed the baton to my other associates. So, you for me, that was like the biggest thing is the key is letting go. And like I said, we had a summit meeting two weeks ago. And like I said, I had five employees in one practice. Now I have five practices with close to 70 employees. You may say, my God, how do you do that? I hire smart people smarter than me.   Kiera Dent (30:43.082) Yeah   Dr Robert DiPilla (30:49.79) to do that. I have a great CFO. I have a great regional manager and I have great office managers. And one of the biggest things that we, we constant, constant role play a lot of the things that we do in the office. And why is that important? One of the things that we did when COVID happened, before we opened up, we had a month where we did Zoom calls.   like this, and we did a role play because when patients come back, they're gonna have questions. And what are we doing to protect them and ourselves? And it was really important for the front desk, it was really important for our managers, hygienists and assistants to make sure we're getting our message across. One of the things that I never wanna hear on the phone is if a patient asked a question,   and our front desk, our personal, I don't know. I don't know what we're doing. So, you to me, it's just having those questions answered. And what we did is I call it the kind of the soft opening, like what a restaurant would do before they opened up fully, they would kind of, you know, bring in some of their guests or their family members to have a soft opening. So that's what we usually do from that. But the main thing, you for me,   Kiera Dent (31:51.997) That's   Dr Robert DiPilla (32:15.112) is I just hire great people that are around me that will integrate the vision that I have. So there's a great book and I highly, highly recommend for dentists. And I know Gina Whitman very well, it's called Traction. I don't know if you've heard the book or. And it's amazing. And then the follow-up book is Rocket Fuel.   Kiera Dent (32:33.75) We are diehard traction people. We help offices with it. It is incredible. Yes.   Kiera Dent (32:41.903) Amen. When you were talking about integrator, was like, he's a visionary needs the integrator. Did you, did you hire?   Dr Robert DiPilla (32:45.198) I'm the 100%. I mean, for me, I'm definitely the visionary. know what I want to see. And then my CFL is the integrator. I have so bad ADD, I'm like, don't squirrel. Okay, what happened over here? No, no, no, no, get on track. We gotta do this. So for me, like.   Kiera Dent (32:57.848) you   Kiera Dent (33:03.382) How did you find your CFO integrator? you go through one of Traction's hiring things? Did you find them through? How did you find that integrator? Because I think that's such a key piece in growth. How did you find yours?   Dr Robert DiPilla (33:14.572) Well, luckily she was with us and within the company and we just hired up for her. She just went from low level to higher hiring and she got it. She understood the whole process. mean, when she read the book, she, I mean, my God, this is the missing piece for us. And I love that, that passion that she has for that and then just kind of put everything together. So I was very fortunate in that respect. But when we do our hiring,   Kiera Dent (33:21.462) amazing.   Kiera Dent (33:32.118) Yeah.   Dr Robert DiPilla (33:43.746) We hire within our culture and who we are. And sometimes it's difficult to do that. We did that right after COVID because some people didn't feel like they wanted to come back or didn't feel safe to come back as far as some employees, which is fine. And there was a shortage of dental assistants and hygienists wasn't an issue for us. It was more assistance. And I hate to say that we hired people that weren't the right fit.   Kiera Dent (34:08.97) Mm-hmm.   Dr Robert DiPilla (34:13.71) And I'm going to tell you that was a big mistake because it's going to take you longer to find another person. So I'd have no one. do it myself compared to not have the same, the right person that would fit in our culture.   Kiera Dent (34:29.974) I agree. That's wise wisdom. And I think so many people get desperate. And I mean, I've done it. I think we've all done it, right? We've all made those hires and we're like, agreed with you. We'd rather wait it out till the right person comes through rather than doing those desperate hires. And I think it's   Dr Robert DiPilla (34:41.966) Yeah, it works out. And really works out. I'm a true believer that, I mean, there is a plan and you just kind of have to wait it out and it comes in because the same thing in our downtown Detroit office, we were waiting for someone and we thought someone, oh my God, she's going to be great. Oh my God, she's moving from Boston. She's going to come here. She's ran a periodontal office. Oh my God, we love her. And then got ghosted. Like what the hell happened? And then the next day,   Kiera Dent (35:07.38) Mm-hmm.   Dr Robert DiPilla (35:10.85) We got another resume. Lauren, I mean, amazing. I mean, just that blessing that comes through. So I think the best thing to do is just wait it out, hire within your culture. And if they don't fit, they're not the right team member for you.   Kiera Dent (35:28.916) I love that. Dr. DiPilla, something I have found so fascinating with our podcast today, just so appreciative. I feel you have wisdom. And I think wisdom oftentimes lacks. And I think it comes from experience. I think you've learned from the things that you've done. I'm not saying you're old. I'm saying that I hear wisdom from you. And I think you had this wisdom even when you first started your career. I think you learned things. But I feel you lived your own.   Dr Robert DiPilla (35:42.114) You're saying I'm   Kiera Dent (35:56.438) I feel like you grew because you wanted to grow, not because you felt like you needed to. I feel like you waited when I'm sure a lot of your other colleagues were building multi-practices and you're like, this is what I'm enjoying doing. And what I've heard is as you've shifted and morphed throughout your career and the way you've presented it, it sounds like you've done it based on intrigue and curiosity and things that still keep the passion within you. And I feel like...   You're a great example of someone who can be practicing dentistry for 36 years and still have passion, fire and fuel behind it, rather than the what I see a lot of right now of burnout. And I was trying to put the pieces together as we were chatting and I'm like, I think honest to goodness, you've done everything because it was a passion and a curiosity and it fueled you rather than drained you. And I also really love that   you believe that there's a higher path for you. Like you said, it's just because one door is closing, it means the other door is opening, but that door is not quite ready yet. So be okay with this door closing. But that would how I would summarize you. Obviously, please fill in any gaps I may have missed. But I think that that's so refreshing to hear that I think a lot of us can take stock in and learn from you as well.   Dr Robert DiPilla (36:49.806) 100%.   Dr Robert DiPilla (37:05.474) Wow, well, thank you for that. That's, thank you. But for me, right now, I think it's important to, like I said, pass the baton to my other dentist and kind of elevate them as much as possible. And I think if you're in a group practice or if you're in a single practice, sometimes we live on our own little island and you don't know where to do. would...   Kiera Dent (37:10.197) You're welcome.   Dr Robert DiPilla (37:31.66) get a couple of your friends, colleagues, whatever, just go out to a restaurant, hang out and kind of talk your story. Because we're all in it and we all go through the same things. And maybe I'm blessed with mental resiliency, I don't know. I mean, there's a lot of things that are kind of thrown at you. But for me, for my upbringing, mean, things bother me, don't get me wrong, I am human.   But I know that my purpose is stronger than the noise that hear that's behind me. And for me, where am I going to go from here? What's the next 10 years look like? And For me, my legacy and what I want to hear is that when I'm long gone and a patient goes to another dentist and says, hey, who's your other dentist? And I say, well, I went to DiPilla All I want to hear is that, you know what?   Yes, I heard great people. That's all I want to hear. You went to one of the best. That's it. That's all I want to hear. I mean, I that's my legacy is that make sure that we as a group, as a team or organization, we've done the right thing by you and also by the the patients and also our team too. We got to take care of our the team that supports us very,   Kiera Dent (38:54.25) That's beautiful. And I think as you said that I think maybe a takeaway from today would be figure out the legacy that you want to leave. think that that legacy, just did a mastermind group with some people in person and I had them write when they were, you know, I didn't give them an age. I just said, when you're sitting back looking at your life, what do want to feel? What do you want to experience? And what do you want it to be said about you?   And it was crazy because people started making different decisions in that moment because the legacy of who they want to be and what they want to leave behind radically shifts what you're doing today. And I think that that's a beautiful takeaway from today. I have loved our conversation. I thoroughly enjoy you as a human. I think you're just doing a beautiful work, an example of keeping the passion alive in dentistry and doing great things no matter what's going on. any last thoughts you have, how can people connect with you?   Dr Robert DiPilla (39:34.926) Thank you.   Dr Robert DiPilla (39:44.238) I think for anyone guys who have been graduating, this is like the best time to be a dentist. I mean, I'm so excited. mean, the technology is amazing. Things that we used to do before and we can do now, digital workflow, 3D printing, AI, it's amazing. So, for me, I go into work every day. I'm very passionate what we need to do. But for me,   It's time for me to kind of like maybe work maybe in the chair once or twice a week and then work on the business. And that's where I'm more passionate about as well. And then kind of like I said, elevating everybody else. But once again, this has been a real, real pleasure and I can see your passion as well and much, success for yourself.   Kiera Dent (40:28.682) Likewise, thank you so much for joining today, Dr. Tafilla. I hope everybody who's listened takes away a few golden nuggets and gems because I really do believe there was so much value and wisdom in this podcast today. I think that there's so much beauty. love podcasting with people like yourself that are just so optimistic of the future. So thank you for joining us and for all of you listening. Yes.   Dr Robert DiPilla (40:49.816) My pleasure.   Kiera Dent (40:53.78) All of you listening, thank you for joining us. And as always, thanks for listening. I'll catch you next time on the Dental A Team Podcast.  

This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Vaulted Youth Voices participant, Kenneth Russell and the curator for Umoja Fine Arts to discuss the Youth Artist Workshop, an initiative dedicated to celebrating African American creativity. Kenneth Russell is a young artist and sophomore at Southeastern High School who has been learning to combine his artistic background with civic engagement through the Vaulted Youth Voices podcasting program. Umoja Fine Arts (UFA) is a family-owned art publishing and distribution company committed to helping the Detroit Metropolitan area celebrate the great artistic achievements of local and internationally acclaimed artist. Founded by Ian Grant, they recently organized the Black History Month Youth Artist Workshop, an initiative dedicated to celebrating African American creativity and fostering the next generation of artists while encouraging the preservation of Black history and Culture through art.To learn more about Umoja Fine Arts and Ian's work, click here. FOR HOT TAKES:MICHIGAN SCHOOLS, FAMILIES GRAPPLE WITH NEW TRUMP IMMIGRATION POLICIESSupport the showFollow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Have you ever found yourself on a long road trip, cruising down the highway, and wondered what those “brown signs” along the roadside are all about? Or say to yourself, “I wish we had more time to stop and check that out?” If you happen to be in the Detroit-Metropolitan area anytime soon, you need to take that off ramp and check out the Motorcities National Heritage Area where they tell the stories of how southeast and central Michigan “Put the World on Wheels.” And with us is Director of Communications and Engagement Bob Sadler to explain why taking this particular detour needs to be part of your upcoming travel plans.  ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/ Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/

Joseph J. Garavaglia is a lifelong native of the Detroit Metropolitan area. Joe graduated from Lake Superior State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and received a Master of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan. Joe received his Juris Doctor from the University Of Detroit Mercy School Of Law. Immediately after graduating from Lake Superior State, Joe began a career in environmental consulting. After earning his master degree, the majority of his focus was regulatory and environmental compliance for large industrial manufacturers, where he spent a significant amount of time in Lansing and Washington D.C. working with government agencies on environmental policies. While working full time and attending law school in the evenings, Joe realized he wanted to interact with people on a more personal level. He decided to help people prepare for life's unknowns, and lend a hand during one of the most difficult times in one's life. To further these aspirations, Joe joined a small-sized estate planning firm. His practice concentrated solely on estate planning, and probate matters. Joe appeared exclusively on all probate hearings in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. He guided and counseled many families through the post-death administrative process. Joe helped develop and grow the firms probate department. In late 2018, Joe joined Estate Planning Solutions PLLC, bringing over a wealth of experience and knowledge in estate planning and probate matters, and a deep sense of pride in providing his clients a personal estate planning experience Joe is a member of the Probate and Estate Planning sections of the Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland County Bar Associations. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Joe Garavaglia: Website: https://michiganestateplanningservice.com/ *E – explicit language may be used in this podcast.

Kenneth Kelly is the Chairman and CEO of First Independence Bank, the 7th largest African-American-owned bank in the United States. Founded in 1970, the bank has served the Detroit-Metropolitan area and remains the only African American-owned bank headquartered in the State of Michigan. Kenneth is also behind the book, Prepared Before I Let Go, which outlines preserving professions through proper planning. He also developed My Legacy Items, a service that allows people to prepare their last will and testament easily. Kenneth Kelly joins us today to describe the importance of leaving a legacy with sustainability in mind. He shares how First Independence Bank started, its mission, and how they contribute to its community as an African-American-owned bank. He explains how companies can be ESG-focused. He discusses why being intentional with the terms we use matters from a community perspective. Kenneth also reveals why money is the oxygen for any business idea. “Do your work in such a way that there are others willing to speak up on your behalf.” - Kenneth Kelly This week on Breaking Barriers: ●     The importance of having a black-owned bank in any community●     What Kenneth's book is about and its startling findings●     Why all of us should be ESG-oriented●     The questions large and small companies should be asking to focus on ESG●     Supplier diversity, lending, and banking●     Kenneth's institutional initiatives around supplier equity and inclusion●     Being intentional with how we use our terms and language for inclusion Connect with Kenneth Kelly: ●     First Independence Bank●     Prepared Before I Let Go●     My Legacy Items●     Kenneth Kelly on LinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started, please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

John Peppes was born in Athens, Greece, and came to America at a young age. He was raised in Tarpon Springs, Florida – a community populated largely by individuals of Greek descent, allowing him to be exposed to the Greek culture all throughout his youth. At the age of six, John started dancing with the St. Nicholas church dance group. Years later, this group would eventually become the Levendia Dance Troupe in Tarpon Springs, Florida under the direction of John Lulias. In the summer of 1983, something clicked and Greek dance quickly became a passion for him. Throughout the 1980s, John was fortunate to participate in workshops taught by instructors with similar passion as his. He credits much of his influence to such people as, Dr. Mary Coros, Paul Ginis, John Lulias, Joe Graziosi, George Mavropoulos and the entire Dora Stratou program as well as Ted Petrides. John is currently a Board Member and Director of KYKLOS Hellenic Society, a non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Michigan. The group includes participants from twelve Greek communities in the Detroit Metropolitan area. He recently took over the youth dance program at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Ann Arbor and also hosts a monthly Hellenic Cultural Night for adults to be exposed to the traditions of dance. His hobbies also include history, traveling and golf. John can be contacted via email a jpeppes214@gmail.com

This week's podcast is very special, because we are interviewing a #PodcastPartner on this week's edition of the Thinking Out Loud Radio Show. The Service Learning School District is one of our newest sponsors and partners of the podcast, and this week we welcome the distinguished Supertintendent of the Serice Learning District- De'Angelo Alexander. He has over 30yrs of of experience in the field of education, and has worked in the Detroit Community starting schools from the ground up, which is a part of his forte. During this week's edtion of the podcast, De'Angelo is sharing with us some of the amazing things that are happening at the Detroit, Oak Park, & Redford Service Learning Academies. They are doing some phenonmenal things for students in the Detroit Metropolitan area, and we are excited to share this interview with you on this week's podcast.  PLUS, as is our custom we have a dynamicThought of the Week specially for those that might be struggling with their identity. They might be confused about who they are. This week' s thought is especially for and it's entitled, "Knowing Who You Are."  This is defintely a special show, and we hope you take some time this week to tune in. Additionally, if you or anyone you know might be an entrepreneuer or a business owner and want to get the word our about your business or service, we want you to become a #PodcastPartner. Send us an email at contact@michaelnimmons.com, and we would be more than happy to help you promote your business right here on the Thinking Out Loud Radio Show. Alot of reasons to tune, and we deeply and sincerely hope that you do. 

Coach Cornell Mann's Story. In this episode, you'll hear from Cornell Mann. Coach Mann is currently an assistant coach for Cuonzo Martin at the University of Missouri. Coach Mann is entering year five with Coach Martin. “Corn” as the entire coaching community knows him has a wealth of experience: assistant coaching stops at Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Oakland, Dayton, and Iowa State. And Coach Mann is synonymous with helping the head coaches that he assists: WIN! In over seventeen years in the profession, Coach Mann has been to postseason play twelve times. Including ten times to the NCAA tournament. Coach Mann was recently selected to participate in the 2021 TopConnect Symposium. This future head coach is indeed focused on helping Coach Martin compete for an SEC title this season. However, what you learn is that Coach Corn's journey to the SEC is such an amazing journey. Two young youth coaches in the Detroit Metropolitan area, Tex and Dino, mentored a young Cornell Mann and his cousin, DJ Stephens, who is currently the Associate Head Coach for Tom Izzo at Michigan State. Tex and Dino mentored Corn and DJ and really introduced these two amazing men into the thought of one day being coaches. As a matter of fact, you will soon learn that Coach Corn knew by the 5th grade that he wanted to help people. The word “CARE” will resonate throughout the entire podcast. Coach Corn engages with the players that he coaches and shares some amazing experiences from his past. In addition, Coach Mann shares some amazing tips to young coaches: from recruiting and creating balance to teaching time management and being calm--this is a great 30-minute coaching course for young coaches. I know one thing, Tex and Dino helped mold an unbelievable man and leader. Coach Cornell Mann is simply about giving back. There are so many terrific things about this conversation and I am so thankful that Coach Mann shared his incredible coaching story! Follow Coach Cornell Mann @8MileCorn Follow Tell Me Your Story Coach @CoachKevinDro Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEMoneyball Sportswear Moneyball, The Only Way To Ball! Great Sports Wear and Basketball Uniforms! Michigan Made! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Guest, Alicia Harris CEO, of Three Mops And A Bucket, LLC from Detroit, MI. Alicia has been in business for six years, serving the Detroit Metropolitan areas providing commercial and home cleaning services. Check out Three Mops and a Bucket on live Fridays on Instagram sharing cleaning tips and more! Follow on IG @threemopsandabucket Booking: (586) 489-3155 threemopsandabucket84@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/blackwomeninbusiness/message

On today’s episode of 22 Motivational Minutes, Marlo and “Vibe Coach” Dr. Anita Caprice shares the importance of trusting the journey of spirituality and self-worth. Listen in as Anita reveals how she found value in herself through metaphysical knowledge, why she teaches others to “learn and let go”, and why you should trust yourself to reveal the answers to your own questions and desires. Anita Caprice (Performing name: ARTIST ANGEL) is the mother of Beautiful twin daughters, two sons (in-law), and Grandmom to Precious five. She is an InPowerment Speaker and Michigan Unemployment Appeals Advocate. Anita Caprice is founder of the TAPN2U Movement, Vibin' High, LLC & Collection (metaphysical Coaching and Product) and author of “Reflections of an Angel” Book of Poetic Affirmations. She is the developer of the TAPN2U Treasure Map Experience, Self Recovery Card game, 4Self Recovery curriculum, and other Inner Personal-Spiritual course material. Her message is all about empowering, inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting in her own unique style of Spoken Word Poetry, Metaphysical Coaching, Teaching, continuing education, and LIFE experience. Anita holds a Doctorate in Metaphysical Science, Certification as a Meditation Practitioner/Teacher, Transformation Life Coach, and Reiki Master. She continues to reside, tithe her time, talent and treasure in the Detroit Metropolitan area. _______________________ Are you ready to smash your one year goal in 90 days? Book a Discovery Call to find out how I can help you go from idea to celebration without the frustration and overwhelm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airline passengers rank Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport as the best mega airport in North America, according to a new study from J.D. Power.The 2019 North America Airport Satisfaction Study conducted by J.D. Power surveyed just over 32,000 U.S. and Canadian travelers focusing on six metrics, from airport accessibility to the baggage claim service.Tune in to this morning's WJR Business Beat to hear more on the significance of these findings from Jeff.

Joe was raised in the Detroit Metropolitan area. As an artist at heart, Joe is a graduate of Western Michigan University, with a Bachelor's of Arts in English (Creative Writing) and a Minor in Philosophy. A former musician, he legally became disabled in 2015 due to health problems. He enjoys spending time with dogs, as should all right thinking people. The Snitch, The Witch, and The One Who Was Rich is more than a children's story book or children's literature. It has deep philosophical themes for adults as well. It's a mixture of a Mother Goose nursery rhyme, Dr. Suess, and Harry Potter. It's for all ages! It is also a conversation piece and a coffee table book. https://joespraga.com/

Chatting With Sherri welcomes author; Joe Spraga! Joe was raised in the Detroit Metropolitan area. An artist at heart, Joe is a graduate of Western Michigan University, with a Bachelor's of Arts in English (Creative Writing) and a Minor in Philosophy. A former musician, Joe legally became disabled in 2015 due to health problems. He enjoys spending time with dogs, as should all right thinking people.

Join Dennis Ortman, PhD with host Kristin Walker as they discuss his book Depression Anonymous: The Big Book on Depression Addiction.Modeled on the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, this book serves as a guide to help those look at depression differently. Viewing your anger as an addiction, Dr. Dennis Ortman guides you through the time-tested Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to find healing and growth. He shows how the Steps offer practical wisdom to use the natural energy of your anger wisely and well. The Steps provide guidance for your personal journey through your hostile moods so that you can discover your true self and release the Power within you.Dennis Ortman, Ph.D., has been a clinical psychologist in private practice in the Detroit Metropolitan area for nearly 25 years, specializing in treating those with addictions. Before becoming a psychologist, he was a Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit for 14 years. He received a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Detroit-Mercy and a graduate degree in theology from the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. He has authored six books on recovery from addictions and infidelity and lectures on utilizing the wisdom of Freud and Buddha in treatment.

One of our hosts most compelling and personal shows. Dr. Ortman and Kristin Walker have a lively back and forth discussion about how anger can destroy the very fabric of your life. We live in the most aggressive society on the planet. The frequency of road rage, bullying, and violent crimes testifies to the intensity of our aggressive urges. For many, their anger becomes like a drug which energizes, numbs, and possesses them. They become like “rageholics” or “grudgeholics” who feel powerless over their hostile impulses.Modeled on the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, this book serves as a guide to help those possessed by anger to recover. Viewing your anger as an addiction, Dr. Dennis Ortman guides you through the time-tested Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to find healing and growth. He shows how the Steps offer practical wisdom to use the natural energy of your anger wisely and well. The Steps provide guidance for your personal journey through your hostile moods so that you can discover your true self and release the Power within you.Dennis Ortman, Ph.D., has been a clinical psychologist in private practice in the Detroit Metropolitan area for nearly 25 years, specializing in treating those with addictions. Before becoming a psychologist, he was a Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit for 14 years. He received a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Detroit-Mercy and a graduate degree in theology from the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. He has authored six books on recovery from addictions and infidelity and lectures on utilizing the wisdom of Freud and Buddha in treatment.

"Hemp The Don" was born Jahmal Moore in the Detroit Metropolitan area. "The Don," became accustomed to the negativity that occurs everyday in the inner city lifestyle also being heavily influenced by artists such as: KRS1-Biggie-Tupac-Wutang Klan-Scarface- & 8Ball MJG, just to name a few. The combination of the streets & hip hop drastcally changed his life, while being family orientated molded and inspired "Hemp" as an artist. Hemp displays brutal honesty and dark tales depicting events witnessed and/or experienced in his lifetime as a form of expression. Artist "Hemp The Don" has showcased his talent at mutliple venues performing on the same stages as various Celebrities such as: Juvenile - Young Buck - Bubba Sparx - Paris Beuller - Bizarre (D12) - and many more. "Don" is working on several projects as an artist on FTMG, however his current mixtape "Bugatti Dreaming" dropped 9/182015 on Spinrilla, and is creating a  massive buzz, while recieving great reviews. For more information

GiGi Mack is the lead vocalist and founding member of GiGi Mack & Alter EGO. GiGi Mack has played many important and high profile events though out the Detroit Metropolitan area. With more than 25 years in the entertainment industry her silky smooth sultry voice is the heart and soul of “ALTER EGO”. GiGi has performed with several Top local bands throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. GiGi Mack has a vast musical influence. Not one to be boxed into any genre she sings “Music for the Soul”!  GiGi Mack was born & raised in the Detroit music scene. She knew at an early age when at the age of 3 years old her parents took her to see ‘Lady Sing the Blues’ with Diana Ross she wanted to perform. Her first stage name was “Diana Blue” a combination of Diana Ross & the movie title (she gave herself that name at the age of 5). Her influences include Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Earth Wind & Fire, Sade, Irma Thomas, Etta James, Ledisi, Maysa, Jill Scott, Chaka Kahn, Frank Sinatra and many other diverse artists and musicians. GiGi is a talented songwriter, actress and poet and enjoys performing live and has a sultry, alluring and captive stage presence that is well worth waiting for.

GiGi Mack is the lead vocalist and founding member of GiGi Mack & Alter EGO. GiGi Mack has played many important and high profile events though out the Detroit Metropolitan area. With more than 25 years in the entertainment industry her silky smooth sultry voice is the heart and soul of “ALTER EGO”. GiGi has performed with several Top local bands throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. GiGi Mack has a vast musical influence. Not one to be boxed into any genre she sings “Music for the Soul”!  GiGi Mack was born & raised in the Detroit music scene. She knew at an early age when at the age of 3 years old her parents took her to see ‘Lady Sing the Blues’ with Diana Ross she wanted to perform. Her first stage name was “Diana Blue” a combination of Diana Ross & the movie title (she gave herself that name at the age of 5). Her influences include Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Earth Wind & Fire, Sade, Irma Thomas, Etta James, Ledisi, Maysa, Jill Scott, Chaka Kahn, Frank Sinatra and many other diverse artists and musicians. GiGi is a talented songwriter, actress and poet and enjoys performing live and has a sultry, alluring and captive stage presence that is well worth waiting for.

Pastor Larry G. Mack Jr. Has been preaching the Word of God for over 20 years. From Russia, Germany, Jamaica, Haiti and all over the United states Pastor Mack has been infusing the people of God with incredible hope and faith from Gods Word. He is a church planter And Senior Pastor of Greater Than Dreams Church with locations in Michigan and Ohio He speaks on high school and university campuses, he is a sought out conference speaker and host 3 tv shows on TCT (Total Christian Television) Pastor Mack holds an earned Doctorate from Harvest International and a B. A. And Honorary Doctorate from School of The Bible University Seminary. Pastor Mack has two children Micaiah and Mariah and has been married for over 17 years to Marketa Mack and resides in the Detroit Metropolitan area. Pastor Larry Mack explains the three important parts of man. Body, soul, and spirit and how each work throughout man's life.Pastor Mack teaches how man make choices to stay with God through his spirit man or remain with his flesh in doing what his flesh wants him to do..Adam, eve, and the flesh Pastor Mack teaches the serpent represent the flesh of man and how that flesh disobeyed God in the garden. Looking up the word Body, Soul, Spirit and their meaning. Man looks whole how can he have three componets to when he is whole or appear to be one whole human being.

EPISODE 247 WIT' VOCAL SINGER, GIGI MACK AND JERRY ROYCE LIVE! (WORLDWIDE)Bio: GiGi Mack is the lead vocalist and founding member of GiGi Mack & Alter EGO. GiGi Mack has played many important and high profile events though out the Detroit Metropolitan area. With more than 25 years in the entertainment industry her silky smooth sultry voice is the heart and soul of “ALTER EGO”. GiGi has performed with several Top local bands throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. GiGi Mack has a vast musical influence. Not one to be boxed into any genre she sings “Music for the Soul”! GiGi Mack was born & raised in the Detroit music scene. She knew at an early age when at the age of 3 years old her parents took her to see ‘Lady Sing the Blues’ with Diana Ross she wanted to perform. Her first stage name was “Diana Blue” a combination of Diana Ross & the movie title (she gave herself that name at the age of 5). Her influences include Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Earth Wind & Fire, Sade, Irma Thomas, Etta James, Ledisi, Maysa, Jill Scott, Chaka Kahn, Frank Sinatra and many other diverse artists and musicians. GiGi is a talented songwriter, actress and poet and enjoys performing live and has a sultry, alluring and captive stage presence that is well worth waiting for.

EPISODE 247 WIT' VOCAL SINGER, GIGI MACK AND JERRY ROYCE LIVE! (WORLDWIDE)Bio: GiGi Mack is the lead vocalist and founding member of GiGi Mack & Alter EGO. GiGi Mack has played many important and high profile events though out the Detroit Metropolitan area. With more than 25 years in the entertainment industry her silky smooth sultry voice is the heart and soul of “ALTER EGO”. GiGi has performed with several Top local bands throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. GiGi Mack has a vast musical influence. Not one to be boxed into any genre she sings “Music for the Soul”! GiGi Mack was born & raised in the Detroit music scene. She knew at an early age when at the age of 3 years old her parents took her to see ‘Lady Sing the Blues’ with Diana Ross she wanted to perform. Her first stage name was “Diana Blue” a combination of Diana Ross & the movie title (she gave herself that name at the age of 5). Her influences include Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Earth Wind & Fire, Sade, Irma Thomas, Etta James, Ledisi, Maysa, Jill Scott, Chaka Kahn, Frank Sinatra and many other diverse artists and musicians. GiGi is a talented songwriter, actress and poet and enjoys performing live and has a sultry, alluring and captive stage presence that is well worth waiting for.

If you have been a frequent listener to these podcasts you will know me as the host of American Road Trip Talk but most of the time I wear an entirely different hat. For 40 years I have been a radio broadcaster in the Detroit Metropolitan area and for the last 16 of them I have hosted a weekly show called the Internet Advisor where we help people with their computer problems and introduce them to experts in the field. So what has that got to do with traveling the open road? Glad you asked. On the first show of 2014, I interview Mike Wendland, a nationally noted tech reporter on radio and CBS TV Network. Mike recently retired and, like some of you, decided to take his considerable talents on the American Road in a small RV. Mike has turned this new chapter in his life into a whole new career called Roadtreking. You can find stories and pictures of his adventures at http://www.roadtreking.com. Mike now handles all sorts of topics from repairing your generator to dealing with sitting disease and knowing when it’s too cold to RV, This interview is brought to you by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway--Where the Mother Road Begins. From famous road-side restaurants to hidden gems, Route 66 in Illinois offers a journey back in time.

If you have been a frequent listener to these podcasts you will know me as the host of American Road Trip Talk but most of the time I wear an entirely different hat. For 40 years I have been a radio broadcaster in the Detroit Metropolitan area and for the last 16 of them I have hosted a weekly show called the Internet Advisor where we help people with their computer problems and introduce them to experts in the field. So what has that got to do with traveling the open road? Glad you asked. On the first show of 2014, I interview Mike Wendland, a nationally noted tech reporter on radio and CBS TV Network. Mike recently retired and, like some of you, decided to take his considerable talents on the American Road in a small RV. Mike has turned this new chapter in his life into a whole new career called Roadtreking. You can find stories and pictures of his adventures at http://www.roadtreking.com. Mike now handles all sorts of topics from repairing your generator to dealing with sitting disease and knowing when it’s too cold to RV, This interview is brought to you by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway--Where the Mother Road Begins. From famous road-side restaurants to hidden gems, Route 66 in Illinois offers a journey back in time.

If you have been a frequent listener to these podcasts you will know me as the host of American Road Trip Talk but most of the time I wear an entirely different hat. For 40 years I have been a radio broadcaster in the Detroit Metropolitan area and for the last 16 of them I have hosted a weekly show called the Internet Advisor where we help people with their computer problems and introduce them to experts in the field. So what has that got to do with traveling the open road? Glad you asked. On the first show of 2014, I interview Mike Wendland, a nationally noted tech reporter on radio and CBS TV Network. Mike recently retired and, like some of you, decided to take his considerable talents on the American Road in a small RV. Mike has turned this new chapter in his life into a whole new career called Roadtreking. You can find stories and pictures of his adventures at http://www.roadtreking.com. Mike now handles all sorts of topics from repairing your generator to dealing with sitting disease and knowing when it's too cold to RV, This interview is brought to you by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway--Where the Mother Road Begins. From famous road-side restaurants to hidden gems, Route 66 in Illinois offers a journey back in time.